Uncanny Mock: Post Combine

5Mar

Sam Bradford lands in the top spot.

The Combine is now in the rear view mirror. Multiple Pro Days are on the horizon. Free Agency is in full effect. It’s time once again to mock the 2010 NFL draft. As always, Head Scout Brent Sobleski attempts to channel Nostradamus and predict the unpredictable.

Round 1

#

Team

Selection

Position/College

1

St. Louis

Sam Bradford

QB/Oklahoma

Analysis: For a franchise which has not selected a quarterback prospect in the first round since 1963, eventually the Rams need to take a leap of faith at said position. While it is certainly easy to slot the likes of Suh or Gerald McCoy at this selection based on their immense talents, St.Louis has finished with a top three choice in the draft three years running. The dominance of a defensive tackle simply cannot affect the win column as much as landing a franchise quarterback.

2

Detroit

Ndamukong Suh

DT/Nebraska

Analysis: With the Rams predicament, the Lions have the luxury of selecting whichever of the top two prospects they prefer along the defensive line. Suh is the bigger and more physical of the two that can play more 1 technique to compliment the recently acquired Corey Williams from Cleveland and Kyle Vanden Bosch at end.

3

Tampa Bay

Gerald McCoy

DT/Oklahoma

Analysis: At least one source within the Buccaneers organization has stated the team actually prefers this McCoy over the highly decorated Suh. The preference would be based merely on style and system. If Tampa is going to once again rely on a heavy attacking Cover 2 scheme, which they reverted to late last season, McCoy is the disruptive type of 3 technique they desperately need to build around.

4

Washington

Russell Okung

OT/Oklahoma St.

Analysis: Uncertainty around the quarterback position makes this selection very intriguing. With the recent retirement of veteran stalwart Chris Samuels, and the dearth of talent along the ‘Skins offensive line, taking arguably the draft’s top left tackle prospect appears the most prudent decision. Especially considering Okung’s overall athleticism and how well it would translate to new Head Coach Mike Shanahan’s offensive system.

5

Kansas City

Eric Berry

S/Tennessee

Analysis: The Chiefs could look at numerous different directions to address their overall needs. Berry is simply the best talent available at this point and can become a legitimate defensive playmaker and the new face of the franchise.

6

Seattle

Jimmy Clausen

QB/Notre Dame

Analysis: If new head honcho Pete Carroll is to make a move at the quarterback position, it is always better to do it sooner rather than later. Matt Hasselbeck is a solid veteran presence, but his play has dropped dramatically recently while injuries have amounted. Clausen has a history with Carroll dating back to his high school days while possessing the athleticism and accuracy to fit nicely into Offensive Coordinator Jeremy Bates’ system.

7

Cleveland

Jared Odrick

DT/Penn St.

Analysis: Not a sexy pick by any means for the Browns, yet the addition of Jared Odrick adds to a thinned out defensive line in Cleveland. His ability to get up field, create disruption, while possessing a non-system specific skill set translate well to a defense in need of talent. The team’s new regime under Holmgren and Heckert has a history of building the trenches first. While Odrick is arguably a better talent than Tyson Jackson who went number three overall just a year ago.

8

Oakland

Trent Williams

OT/Oklahoma

Analysis: The automatic choices for Raiders’ owner Al Davis would seem to be Bruce Campbell or Taylor Mays after their spectacular performances at the Combine. While Campbell in particular was lighting up the field in Indianapolis, another offensive lineman was having a great workout of his own…Trent Williams. Williams is certainly the more polished of the two aforementioned prospects that can immediately help Oakland’s woeful offensive tackle situation.

9

Buffalo

Bryan Bulaga

OT/Iowa

Analysis: Despite desperately searching for a potential franchise signal caller and coming up just short in this particular draft, the Bills will gladly take one of the top left tackles to solidify the blindside. After a rash of bad decisions in regarding the position just prior to last season, Demetrius Bell was shoved into the spotlight. He proved he is not the long term answer. Bulaga was playing as a good as any lineman in the nation once bowl season commenced and is as well coached as any professional staff can expect to fill said void.

10

Jacksonville

Dez Bryant

WR/Oklahoma St.

Analysis: What is the best way for a football franchise to sell tickets? More offense. Mark Sims-Walker burst on the scene last year for the Jags but was easily shut down in some games due to a lack of a quality receiver opposite the field. Add a talent such as Dez Bryant to the wide receiver corps, along with one of the league’s top running backs, include a young and improving offensive line; and the Jaguars will be tough to stop for opposing defenses.

11

Denver(from Chicago)

Dan Williams

DT/Tennessee

Analysis: Certainly the Broncos played outside their means defensively under the guidance of Mike Nolan. Their newly minted 34 finished seventh in the league in overall defense despite a weak front line and an aging secondary. In the 34 base, the nose tackle is THE most important position on the field. Ronald Fields is solid, but Dan Williams has the potential to be a special two gap presence in their system with his squat and powerful frame demanding double teams.

12

Miami

Rolando McClain

LB/Alabama

Analysis: The team’s football czar, Bill Parcells, loves a combination of size and intelligence in his players. Rolando McClain is the ultimate combination of the two in this draft class. Factor in the Dolphins displeasure with recent play among their inside linebackers and it is a perfect match. Unless, the interest in free agent linebacker Karlos Dansby becomes more of a permanent fixture.

13

San Francisco

Joe Haden

CB/Florida

Analysis: As this off season progresses, Haden will look to improve from his surprisingly disappointing Combine performance. While a forty yard dash is never the best indicator of a football player, no cornerback who has run a 4.5 or above has been drafted in the top ten this past decade. Coach Singletary would gladly open his arms as this cornerback slides slightly to the cornerback deprived 49ers.

14

Seattle(from Denver)

Jason Pierre-Paul

DE/South Florida

Analysis: Defensive end has been one of the targeted positions for the Seahawks entering this off season. Coach Carroll became accustomed while at USC possessing freakish athletes on his defense, especially off the edge. Pierre-Paul fits said description to a tee while even presenting the possibility of playing a somewhat similar role as the elephant in Carroll’s system, if the coach so chooses. And who better to coach up such a raw prospect than one of the best college coaches who just moved to the professional ranks?

15

NY Giants

Earl Thomas

S/Texas

Analysis: Free agent Antrel Rolle appears to be the apple of the New York’s eye currently as the market just opened for business. If the former Cardinal were to sign elsewhere, it would be a treat for the Giants to see the playmaking Thomas fall into their proverbial laps.

16

Tennessee

Derrick Morgan

DE/Georgia Tech

Analysis: If the loss of Albert Haynesworth did not completely cripple the Titan’s defensive line, then the loss of Vanden Bosch in free agency likely sealed the deal. Derrick Morgan is very similar to the recently departed end with his tenacity and non-stop motor off the edge.

17

San Francisco(from Carolina)

Brandon Graham

DE/Michigan

Analysis: The 49ers finally saw a little life from their pass rushing outside linebackers a year ago, but they still lack the consistency needed from the position in the 34 base defense. Brandon Graham has the motor and ability to be a consistent terror off the edge when paired with the likes of Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, and Haralson; with a little Patrick Willis thrown into the middle.

18

Pittsburgh

Bruce Campbell

OT/Maryland

Analysis: Despite a Super Bowl victory two seasons ago and then falling just short of the playoffs this past season, the Steelers offensive line has continued to be one of the weaker units in the league. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been one of the most sacked signal callers in the league. Yet this team has yet to seriously address the situation. Campbell is the type of athlete the team has sorely lacked up front for years. And under the vision of Mike Tomlin as head coach, Pittsburgh has looked toward becoming more athletic overall.

19

Atlanta

Taylor Mays

S/USC

Analysis: A great workout by Mays recently has once again landed this prospect squarely into the first round range. His freakish athleticism has never been questioned, but his play on the field has. On a team like the Falcons, they need playmakers in the secondary and can be afforded the chance on a high ceiling prospect with plenty of bust potential.

20

Houston

Golden Tate

WR/Notre Dame

Analysis: Seemingly, Andre Johnson has done it all offensively for the Texas in recent years. Kevin Walter is a competent second receiver but is not feared by opposing defenses. Tate has the explosive qualities to compliment Johnson tremendously while continuing to improve an offense which already ranked fourth in the NFL in 2009.

21

Cincinnati

Brian Price

DT/UCLA

Analysis: With a lockdown secondary and two physically impressive pass rushers off the edge in Antwan Odom and Michael Johnson, a presence in the middle is needed to be a constant disruptive force pushing the middle of the pocket. Price was one of the top defenders in the nation with his 23.5 tackles for loss.

22

New England

C.J. Spiller

RB/Clemson

Analysis: While positional value drives down a dynamic talent such as C.J. Spiller, the Patriots would benefit greatly from his abilities. Spiller simply adds another element to an already explosive offense. He may never be an every down back, but the Clemson product can pick up some of the slack left by Laurence Maroney, fill the potential void left by Kevin Faulk, while also contributing on special teams.

23

Green Bay

Anthony Davis

OT/Rutgers

Analysis: Physically, Anthony Davis may be the most gifted offensive lineman in this draft class. Unfortunately with a recent bad workout and questions being raised about his overall work ethic; he could just as easily slide. The Packers would count their blessings based in their dire need to improve their offensive tackle position.

24

Philadelphia

Sean Weatherspoon

LB/Missouri

Analysis: Ravaged a year ago by injuries along their linebacking corps, the Eagles could benefit greatly by bringing in a talent and personality like Sean Weatherspoon. ‘Spoon can play inside or outside and is just as comfortable dropping back in coverage as he is running sideline to sideline defending the run.

25

Baltimore

Carlos Dunlap

DE/Florida

Analysis: Recently receiving good reviews from scouts, Dunlap had been discussed previously as having a penchant for not playing to his fullest while at Florida. He has the potential to be a dominant 5 technique opposite Haloti Ngata. With a locker room as strong as the one found in Baltimore, along with the veteran presence on the field, the Ravens could expect to get the best out of this tremendous talent.

26

Arizona

Everson Griffen

DE/USC

Analysis: Another prospect that has never quite played completely to his fantastic physical prowess. Griffen showed flashed while at Southern Cal. He has the athleticism to play in space, while being an effective edge rusher. A combination teams look for in regards to drafting 34 outside linebackers. A position Arizona has looked to upgrade for quite some time.

27

Dallas

Mike Iupati

OG/Idaho

Analysis: The average age for the Cowboys’ starting offensive line next season is over 32 years. Owner/General Manager Jerry Jones loves big, physical, and nasty offensive linemen. Enter Mike Iupati who fits the bill to a tee. The former Vandal needs refinement in technique, but his natural ability is off the charts for a guard prospect.

28

San Diego

Ryan Matthews

RB/Fresno St.

Analysis: In a surprise move, the Chargers finally tendered running back Darren Sproles just prior to the flood of free agency. This is merely an indication of how desperate their situation is currently at running back. Matthews has the size, ability, and skill to step in immediately and take over the load for one of the better offenses in the NFL.

29

NY Jets

Damian Williams

WR/USC

Analysis: Originally slotting a cornerback at this selection, the Jets went out and acquired Antonio Cromartie from the aforementioned Chargers. This then reverts the conversation back to wide receiver. Braylon Edwards was tendered but needs a competent running mate. Williams has not tested or played quite to his ability this year, but can still be a more than reliable threat in any passing attack.

30

Minnesota

Maurkice Pouncey

C/Florida

Analysis: John Sullivan took over at center last off season when veteran rock Matt Birk departed for more purple pastures. While the Notre Dame graduate did an adequate job on the pivot, he does not set the point of attack as consistently as his predecessor once did. The difference was noticeable in their ample running attack. On a team without too many holes, they select the top center and one of the best interior blockers in this class to off set said problem.

31

Indianapolis

Charles Brown

OT/USC

Analysis: Priority number one for the Colts…protect Peyton Manning. Former second round pick, Tony Ugoh has been a disappointment after a stellar rookie campaign. Charlie Johnson is solid but is not the long term answer at the position. Charles Brown has the athleticism and upside to be a perfect fit as the blindside protector in the Colt’s high octane offense.

32

New Orleans

Sergio Kindle

LB/Texas

Analysis: A selection the caliber of Sergio Kindle addresses two issues on this Super Bowl Champion defense. First, Kindle is a natural pass rusher off the edge. Second, he can replace Scott Fujita on the strong side who is now sampling the water in the free agency pool. Kindle’s speed and athleticism on the turf in the Super Dome would be a boon.

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